Category: Faith/Trust

Multiple Sclerosis Changed My Life

Hello, subscribers. Happy Spring!!

For those of you who do not know, I’ve been living with multiple sclerosis since 2010. I must admit, it’s been quite a journey. It took a lot of the things I loved–fast it seems. There was almost a two-year time frame before I knew what was wrong. Once I did get the diagnosis, the symptoms just increased each year, rapidly. The first body part it impacted was my hands. My career was as an administrative assistant, doing lots of computer work, desktop publishing, and typing. My documents were flawless, so imagine my dismay when I went from typing with 10 fingers to about 2-4, and seeing the loads of red underlines MS Word signals when you have a typing error. I was flabbergasted! Then, it was my legs and balance. All my life, I moved quickly. I could walk 10 city blocks easily and fast. Now, I must use a walker, and after 2 city blocks, my feet begin to drag; it’s called foot drop. The other notable change MS has produced in my life is the inability to multitask. I told you I moved quick, so I was able to do several things at the same time. However, MS symptoms also impair our mental and cognitive function. Fatigue is also real and sometimes unbearable in MS. I used to be able to clean the entire house in one day. Not anymore. It was the fatigue I kept emphasizing to doctors that something physical was wrong because they kept telling me I was having some type of mental health crisis. I always had a lot of energy. Could go and go like a Duracell battery. Now, I’ll do one thing, rest, then the next thing.

So, I lost my typing ability, multitasking skills, speed, accuracy, and ability to keep going for long periods. I was in a deep depression for the first several years and could not understand for the life of me why God would allow this in my life. (I asked Him.) I loved my career and was good at it, moving fast, and being busy.

The Lord is faithful, though, and allows nothing in our lives we can’t handle; in fact, He teaches us in it–if we let Him. He’ll show you a whole new way of being and living. It’s what He did for me and continues to do; He taught me how to manage this disease. I’ll never forget Him gently reminding me when I was living in denial trying to continue as I once was. “You’re sick Ellie,” He whispered. Wow, God deals in truth. Besides, how could I ask for healing if I’m not accepting I’m sick.

Maybe your life course, dreams, or way of being has been altered too by some malady or misfortune. You too may have legitimate questions for God. He may not always explain the reasoning, but He slowly puts things in perspective for us. So, now, I write. My body, mind, and spirit are finally at a slowed enough pace to do so.

Nonetheless, I’m excited today! Me and my new network of people is gearing up in Philadelphia on Saturday, May 4 for our annual MS Walk. I finally got a team together after 14 years. It’s an exciting event! If you would like to support us and donate, please visit my Facebook page (Eleanor Parks), or click the link below to be taken to my National MS Society’s personal fundraising page to donate. The National MS Society is an excellent organization; I’m where I am today because of them.

https://events.nationalmssociety.org/participant/Eleanor-Parks

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us… In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:18, 26-28)

Be blessed until next time… 🙂

What I’m Not

Romans 7:15-25 (NIV)

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man [woman] I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

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I’m amazed that one of the greatest Apostles of Jesus Christ wrote this. We often ascribe the biblical authors with some type of divinity they had, or we think somehow, they were exempt from life’s struggles. They always got it right while serving Christ. In Christendom, today, great people of God are ascribed by how “good” they are or how “good” they do, (even look–sadly).

The Apostle Paul was a theologian and the most influential figure of the Apostolic Age, who founded several churches in Asia Minor and Europe, defended faith in Jesus Christ, and produced for our learning and growth 13 or 14 New Testament books in the Bible. But, in this verse, he’s not sizing up his accomplishments and sharing how great he is or how great he is doing. No, Paul concludes this discourse with, “Oh wretched man that I am.” Merriam-Webster defines wretched as, “a miserable person: one who is profoundly unhappy or in great misfortune; a base, despicable, or vile person.” In all the Apostle Paul’s work for God’s kingdom, he comes to this realization about himself–he’s still struggling to do what’s right. He’s a mess! Have you ever said this about yourself? Do you see yourself in this way?

Paul’s statement is indicative of someone who had a revelation. He accepted, committed to, looked at, studied, and served Christ. Here, I think, he puts his own life decisions and ways up against it. He is stunned, bewildered, confused, troubled, and torn. “What can I do about this?” he thinks.

Sometimes, it is good to know what we really are not, considering who Jesus Christ is. We’re on the same playing field and have the same nature as Judas, who betrayed Jesus, Peter who denied him, or Thomas who doubted him and needed proof. We are capable of any of this. It’s good, as a Christian, to remember, that there still is a real struggle, a real war, a real battle going on while living in this flesh.

I’ve been called a really negative person for taking such a view. People have said I’m speaking in existence a negative outcome. I need more confidence in myself and may have self-esteem issues. I need to “come up” in my thinking. My faith should be stronger, and I should speak into existence and just claim the truth of God’s word.

Well, no, I think I’ll stick with Paul’s view. It really keeps me balanced and focused on Jesus Christ–all He is, all He has done, all I’m not, and all I haven’t done. I’m humbled by maintaining this awareness that my “flesh counts for nothing.” This is not a put-down friends; it’s a truth in the Bible. Claim this–that you will always need the Holy Spirit’s help. 🙂

Moses’ Questions: Who, What, When, Where, and How?

Happy New Year! Mine came in with a blast! No, I wasn’t at a celebratory event with a group of family or friends, nor was I having a quiet romantic evening with a significant other or out watching the Times Square ball drop or beautiful flaring fireworks. I ended 2023 alone at home on my laptop in a virtual church service. And I received an unexpected, much-needed, powerful message to take me into 2024 and one I should carry throughout the rest of the year.

The scripture: Exodus 33:12-23. The bible character: Moses. The situation: He’s questioning God. Key words: The Lord’s presence. The overall gist: Stay in God’s presence, in communication for a more peaceful, restful year. The key verse: My presence shall go with thee, and I will give you rest. This is the Lord’s answer to Moses’ question. The words instantly resonated with me. I knew it was what I would need for 2024.

If you read Moses’ story in the Bible, you’ll learn how from God’s initial call to him to lead the Israelite community out of Egyptian bondage and throughout Moses’ performing the task, he stayed in contact with God and asked Him a lot of questions. Moses had doubts and was apprehensive and insecure. We are too. He recognized the monumental task and the skills one would need to fulfill it—leadership ability, people skills, public speaking and organization skills, physical strength and stamina, and confidence. Moses had none of these. He needed assurance, and God did oblige him.

In Exodus 3:11, Moses doubts his ability to perform the task. The Lord replies in verse 12 saying, “Surely I will be with you.” Moses presents his concerns to God about the people believing he was sent or paying attention to him (Exodus 3:13 and 4:1). God responds in verse 14, “I AM that I AM…You must say this to the Israelites, ‘I AM has sent me to you,” and in Exodus 4:3-9, The Lord gives Moses a sign. Next, Moses laments his speaking ability (Exodus 4:10). The Lord assures him in 4:11-12, “The Lord said to him, ‘…So now go, and I will be with your mouth and will teach you what you must say.’” Finally, Moses requests the Lord to send someone else (Exodus 4:13). In verses 4:14-16, the Lord does get a bit perturbed with Moses but does oblige him. He says, “… What about your brother Aaron the Levite? I know that he can speak very well.” 

Now, in this text my brother shared at our New Year’s service, Moses is well into fulfilling his calling. He has led the Israelites to a certain point but not yet into the land of promise. There is more journeying to do, yet Moses is still in contact with the Lord. What’s happening? What prompts Moses’ question this time? He’s wondering, how will he know, who will go with him, and whether he will have the Lord’s favor. You see, so much had happened. The Israelites angered God and broke the bond they had with Him. As a result, the Lord shifted. He did not detract from His promise but had to reprimand them. Moses recognizes this yet maintains his personal, intimate communion with God. He needs to know God’s redirected plan in getting the Israelites to their ultimate destination—the promised land. Moses dares not leave God out, take matters into his own hands, or think he could manage the rest of the mission on his own. He stays focused, remains humble, and stays close to God for what to do next; this was the Lord’s people and promise to them.

We too should never get to a place of complacency or overconfidence during our Christian journey. It’s easy for us, at times, to begin to rely on our abilities, and/or our skills or strength, and think, “I got this!” This is a caution for me because the Lord has given me a good degree of smarts; I can make things happen. However, we can’t afford this level of confidence when it comes to God’s kingdom life because it does not rely upon or operate as the world. Whether simply living day by day to become a more fruitful Christian or fulfilling a specific calling, we always need to hear from the Lord. The Church can not afford to sideline the Holy Spirit on Church affairs.  Perhaps we have left out the Holy Spirit in how we now function, you think?

Like Moses, we need not fear to ask God questions, to hear His voice, to know his word, and to receive his direction and encouragement for us. We should always keep our communication with God open to receive His assurance we’re going the right way and that His presence is with us.

Be blessed until next time! 🙂

 

Inspiration by Ellie’s 2023 Blog Recap

Take a look at Inspiration by Ellie’s 2023 year in review of Blog messages, written to uplift, inspire, include, and point you to a wonderful life with God, the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ!

Well, we’re at the close of 2023. My year is ending severely congested with flu-like symptoms since Christmas day, (but not COVID or the flu the doctor says). I’ve been bed-bound in my pjs and loungewear, taking meds, and drinking lots of juices. It’s not so bad, however, because I’m completing some Bible studies I started, reviewing videos from a writer’s conference I attended, catching up on some reading, and reflecting on my writing. I don’t just write to pass the time or because I like to. I write with a message I share with my readers to inspire them. This is the reason for Inspiration by Ellie’s blog site, as noted on my page titled Where can I find Inspiration.

I closed 2022 with a reminder for us to take into 2023. The blog was An Unprecedented Gift of Jesus Christ. Presented to us by God, the Father, Matthew’s gospel tells us the Messiah will be called “Jesus, who will save his people from their sins,” and “Immanuel,” which means “God with us.” Long before Jesus was to arrive on earth, the Israelite community foretold his coming. The gift of Jesus Christ was unprecedented because of the way Jesus was conceived, the angelic appearances made about Him, and the array of people God strategically used to help get Him here. From Jesus’ conception to His birth to speaking his first sermon and performing His first miracle, God called on people to participate in this miracle. This demonstrates God’s willingness to relate with us. It’s also why Christmas is such a memorable time in the Christian community! But our commemoration does not end when the Christmas season does. As Immanuel, Jesus Christ was on a mission–to show us God and bring us to Him. Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection resulted in us being rescued from sin’s dominion, sin’s power, sin’s penalty, and–soon—from sin’s very presence. The completion of His earthly mission fulfilled all of God’s righteous requirements or standards He had in place to be in a right standing with Himself. Our acceptance and belief in this truth about Jesus is how we become close to God; Jesus is the only way we can do so. It’s why He’s important to get to know. And this is why each month in every year, I write blogs—to communicate this truth in such a way you get it!

So, did I do that? Have I inspired or encouraged you through my Blog posts? Do you feel God’s love and concern for you? Have you learned something important from the scriptures? Did you gain any hope to live and fight another day? Did you discover something new, a different perspective? Were you uplifted or encouraged this year? Were you incited to believe Jesus’ testimony and invite Him into your heart as your Lord and Savior? Could you get a sense of how well-known and important you are to God from the explanation of scripture, and how important God and His Son, Jesus, is to the world?

I’m closing 2023 by recapping Inspiration by Ellie’s 2023 blog posts. Welcome to all my new subscribers who came on board this year! Thank you to all who have been following me for a while; I appreciate all of you and welcome your comments, suggestions, thoughts, or criticisms. Feel free. If you haven’t read any one post, simply click the link to a title that may interest you. You can also complete the Subscribe section to automatically receive monthly content each time I post. Finally, join my author’s mailing list to be notified about my upcoming book to be published in 2024.

Inspiration by Ellie’s 2023 Blog Messages:

January         –          He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.

The gist or main point here: From the verse in the Bible in 1 Chron 29:11-13, to emphasize God’s superiority, greatness, power, and ownership over everything and everyone in our world.

February        –           Wanted…You!

The gist or main point here: Shared a personal experience of my life for you to know me better, which is an excerpt from my upcoming book.

March             –           Find Shelter

The gist or main point here: Local, state, national, and world news headlines and social media are overwhelming most days. From Psalms 91, persons can find comfort that there is a safe place and shelter one can find in God.

April                –           GOD is Good–All the Time!

The gist or main point here: “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good” is a popular cliché we hear and say a lot today. But it’s true! It’s God’s nature to only be good and show goodness. Acts 10:38

May                –           Repost of Find Shelter

The gist or main point here: This is a repost of March’s blog, Find Shelter. I reposted due to the continuous disturbing news I was hearing.

June               –           In It, But Not of It. Huh?

The gist or main point here: Jesus made many controversial statements, ones His followers could not always comprehend. This blog is an exposition of what Jesus was teaching His followers in John 15:18-21 about being in this world but not of the world.

August            –           In It, But Not of It: Huh? Part 2

The gist or main point here: This blog is a continued exposition of Jesus’ statement about His followers being in the world but not of the world. This time, we also expound on the scripture found in John 17:13-23, where Jesus is clear how this idea was not just for His followers during His time but all who would come after them.

September     –           Post by Sheri Rose, Not of the World

The gist or main point here: This is a daily devotional entitled, “Not of the World” by Sheri Rose Shepherd (2015), His Princess Every Day Devotional, Bible Gateway. I follow His Princess Every Day Devotionals and enjoy Sheri’s messages. This one coincides with mine about not being of the world.

October          –           What’s your Issue(s)?

The gist or main point here: Discussion on a story in the Bible found in Luke 8:43-48 about a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years; Jesus healed her because of the faith she demonstrated. We too can be healed of our issues.

November      –           Gratitude During the Holiday Season

The gist or main point here: Reflections on the Thanksgiving holiday and specific things for which I was personally grateful.

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Inspiration by Ellie Blog family!

I love you and wish you God’s choicest blessings!

I hope to connect with you in better ways and more in 2024!

What’s your Issue(s)?

There’s a story in the Gospel writings in Luke 8:43-48 about a woman who had an issue of blood. She was bleeding profusely for twelve long years with this disease and spent all her money going to see different doctors, but she never improved. She was suffering. In fact, the Bible says, her condition got worse until she encountered Jesus. Interesting?

I can relate to this woman seeing many doctors. I have multiple sclerosis. Diagnosed in 2010, and it’s been one trip after another to see doctors. There are bi-yearly wellness visits, MRIs, physical therapy, medication management, infusions, and sometimes hospital stays for steroids when I have an MS relapse. Unlike this woman during her time, I’m not ostracized by the community because of my health condition. In fact, I once said jokingly to one of the hospital’s welcoming team members, “You guys need to get me a cot and a room to stay over as much as I’m here.” She laughed. Having a medical issue that there is no cure and doctors can’t fix is difficult and daunting.

But medical issues are not the only issues from which we suffer. There are various types and degrees of issues. I like how this verse begins, “There was a woman who had an issue of blood.” The text is specific to her gender and problem. We’ve learned how Jesus came to save the world, so we can draw a universal principle here. Let’s read it again, placing ourselves in the text. “There was a woman [or man] who had an issue of… Stop right there. The Bible teaches us in Isaiah how the Spirit of the Lord was upon Jesus to save, heal, deliver, or set people free, not only from sin but from other problems or issues they may have. Jesus still does this because He is alive. He is still handling people’s issues who believe and come to (or touch) Him in faith. This is the gist or theological principle in this story. He said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Isn’t this what this woman, and Jesus, did?

You too may have been suffering from an issue for a long time. You’ve tried to solve it yourself or sought help to alleviate the pain, as the woman did. But you found no relief; your issue lingers. What may your issue be? Maybe you’re suffering from a bad attitude, insecurity, lying, racial or biased views, hatred, drinking, mental illness, cancer,  rejection or foolish attempts to fit in, be “cool” with peers, a need to please, overworking, autism, bipolar, body image issues, striving for perfection/success, anxiety, inability to communicate, illiteracy, infatuation with committing criminal acts, drug dealing or dependency, pride, an awful mouth, continually hooking up with wrong romantic partners, intimacy issues, introversion… and on and on and on the list could go.

Jesus commended this woman, who was afraid to be noticed in the crowd because of her issue. He calls her “daughter” and tells her it was her faith that healed her. She could now go on with her life in peace. You too can receive God’s commendation. Believe that Jesus came to heal your broken heart too. Know that He’s alive and wants you to come to Him. To touch Him and be made whole. No issue is so bad, or too complex or complicated for Him. He has the remedy! Only believe!

He has surely helped and continues to help me with mine. 🙂

Be blessed until next time…!